Reviews (13)

Terribly dated
This film is so dated, it's almost difficult to watch. The great crisis here is they may sell advertising on this station to the U. S. Army! Okay, in the post-Vietnam Era, that may have seemed like a terrible moral crime. But in the post Reagan era, it just comes across as politically correct to the extreme. Still a good look at music/radio of the late 70s. If you work in broadcasting you'll enjoy looking at the older boards, cart machines, and so on. It is very funny, however, to hear this station refer to itself as playing "the non-commercial sound" of the 70s, and then hear one very commercial song after another being played, including "Baby Come Back" which is about a commerical a song as you can get. If you do enjoy the music of the 70s, there is a lot here to like. It's just that the big crisis in plot really doesn't generate sympathy. Also, the drug culture it promotes is out of place out of the 1970s.

Great Radio Biz Comedy!
"FM" is a fun, light-weight, movie comedy for anyone who has an interest in radio or late '70s rock n'roll in general. The film has arguably been regarded by it's fans as the template or inspiration for the classic CBS TV sitcom, "WKRP in Cincinnati".This episodic movie takes place in late 1970's L.A. at the offices and studios of Q-Sky, the #1 radio station in the area. It's hilariously, presided over by manager, Jeff Dugan (a likable Michael Brandon),who's main job seems to be keeping in line, the crazy DJs and other personnel, who make up the station's looney, staff.These folks are constantly getting themselves into trouble both on and off the air. They include Mother (Eileen Brennan) a burned out hippie, who wants to chuck it all, Eric Swann (Martin Mull)a pompas idiot, who will do anything to further his career, The Prince (Cleavon Little), the hip black dude of the bunch and finally Doc (Alex Karras), a suicidal cowboy. The main plot centers on how Jeff and the gang fight to keep the evil account executive and the station owner from oversaturating the station's airwaves with wall to wall ads for the U.S. Army.Yes, the plotline is sort of silly and dated.But put on your average FM station today and you'll find that the movie's premise has pretty much come true.The air waves are mostly ads with a little bit of music squeezed in. Highlights of this film include excellent,live '70s era, in-concert appearances by music artists, Linda Ronstadt ("Tumbling Dice" "Poor Pitiful Me") and Jimmy Buffett ("Livingston Saturday Night"). If you are a fan of either of these performers then you will relish this concert footage. Also look for a brief cameo from rocker, Tom Petty.Finally listen for the film's great classic rock soundtrack which includes '70s staples such as Steely Dan, Bob Seger, Boston, Billy Joel, the Doobie Brothers and much more.For an evening of light-hearted comedy I highly recommend "FM".

"No Static At All" with this ultra cool DVD!!!
Another quality DVD release from Anchor Bay!!! You get both full and widescreen versions on one dual layered DVD!!! plus a theatrical trailer!!! And the quality is superb!!! This DVD is far superior than the VHS!!! And the songs sound awesome in 5.1 sound!!! A true seventies classic!!! Five Stars!!! A+

A movie about a era of radio now long gone
This movie is not a masterpiece by a long shot, but it is a movie that encapsulates a golden era of music and radio that is long gone.

The overall story is about a fictitious radio station in Los Angeles facing a battle with the station owners over what advertising will be broadcast on the radio, namely the new advertising spots by the US Army that would help the station owners to increase profits.

Watching this film, it is interesting to see how insignificant the conflict with the corporate machine is in this movie than if the same movie were made in the modern day. The owners of the FM radio station in Los Angeles we are told, own 10 radio stations across the country. Today, it would not be uncommon for a communications corporate giant to own 10 radio stations in each city, thereby creating a monopoly and eliminating any dissent whatsoever. Disc jockeys running late to spin the records, and disc jockeys who couldn't get the tape machine to play their sponsors' advertisements without technical difficulties could easily be eliminated today with computer software automation. What little automation a radio station did not have could easily be eliminated if those who spun the records chose to go on strike, as did those at the end of this movie. The station's broadcasting location could easily be switched to another location by a simple click of a computer mouse, until the conflict was removed.

Corporate commentary aside, this movie is a great period piece to watch -- Disc Jockey's with larger than life egos, a radio station that likes to give the listeners what they want to hear, including free live concert broadcasts featuring Linda Ronstadt, and live broadcasts of disc jockeys from the local record store.

The DVD has the movie preview for this film, and at the end of it, is shown the FM soundtrack double album. I have heard this album, and it is one of the best soundtrack albums ever made for a movie -- where the film is average in quality, the music album is far superior to the film. This movie is not big on telling a story, but it is big on the music.

A niche little late 70s curio
Not technically slick by today's standards, this movie is buoyed by a superb soundtrack. The nostalgia value alone is worth two stars. It's fun to watch Martin Mull in his first role and who wouldn't love listening to Eileen Brennan as "Mother" spinning the best on wax through the speakers of your dad's Chevy Monza? Good movie also for those who had a disdain for the disco fad - and still do. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Terribly dated
This film is so dated, it's almost difficult to watch. The great crisis here is they may sell advertising on this station to the U. S. Army! Okay, in the post-Vietnam Era, that may have seemed like a terrible moral crime. But in the post Reagan era, it just comes across as politically correct to the extreme. Still a good look at music/radio of the late 70s. If you work in broadcasting you'll enjoy looking at the older boards, cart machines, and so on. It is very funny, however, to hear this station refer to itself as playing "the non-commercial sound" of the 70s, and then hear one very commercial song after another being played, including "Baby Come Back" which is about a commerical a song as you can get. If you do enjoy the music of the 70s, there is a lot here to like. It's just that the big crisis in plot really doesn't generate sympathy. Also, the drug culture it promotes is out of place out of the 1970s.

Great Radio Biz Comedy!
"FM" is a fun, light-weight, movie comedy for anyone who has an interest in radio or late '70s rock n'roll in general. The film has arguably been regarded by it's fans as the template or inspiration for the classic CBS TV sitcom, "WKRP in Cincinnati".This episodic movie takes place in late 1970's L.A. at the offices and studios of Q-Sky, the #1 radio station in the area. It's hilariously, presided over by manager, Jeff Dugan (a likable Michael Brandon),who's main job seems to be keeping in line, the crazy DJs and other personnel, who make up the station's looney, staff.These folks are constantly getting themselves into trouble both on and off the air. They include Mother (Eileen Brennan) a burned out hippie, who wants to chuck it all, Eric Swann (Martin Mull)a pompas idiot, who will do anything to further his career, The Prince (Cleavon Little), the hip black dude of the bunch and finally Doc (Alex Karras), a suicidal cowboy. The main plot centers on how Jeff and the gang fight to keep the evil account executive and the station owner from oversaturating the station's airwaves with wall to wall ads for the U.S. Army.Yes, the plotline is sort of silly and dated.But put on your average FM station today and you'll find that the movie's premise has pretty much come true.The air waves are mostly ads with a little bit of music squeezed in. Highlights of this film include excellent,live '70s era, in-concert appearances by music artists, Linda Ronstadt ("Tumbling Dice" "Poor Pitiful Me") and Jimmy Buffett ("Livingston Saturday Night"). If you are a fan of either of these performers then you will relish this concert footage. Also look for a brief cameo from rocker, Tom Petty.Finally listen for the film's great classic rock soundtrack which includes '70s staples such as Steely Dan, Bob Seger, Boston, Billy Joel, the Doobie Brothers and much more.For an evening of light-hearted comedy I highly recommend "FM".

"No Static At All" with this ultra cool DVD!!!
Another quality DVD release from Anchor Bay!!! You get both full and widescreen versions on one dual layered DVD!!! plus a theatrical trailer!!! And the quality is superb!!! This DVD is far superior than the VHS!!! And the songs sound awesome in 5.1 sound!!! A true seventies classic!!! Five Stars!!! A+

A movie about a era of radio now long gone
This movie is not a masterpiece by a long shot, but it is a movie that encapsulates a golden era of music and radio that is long gone.

The overall story is about a fictitious radio station in Los Angeles facing a battle with the station owners over what advertising will be broadcast on the radio, namely the new advertising spots by the US Army that would help the station owners to increase profits.

Watching this film, it is interesting to see how insignificant the conflict with the corporate machine is in this movie than if the same movie were made in the modern day. The owners of the FM radio station in Los Angeles we are told, own 10 radio stations across the country. Today, it would not be uncommon for a communications corporate giant to own 10 radio stations in each city, thereby creating a monopoly and eliminating any dissent whatsoever. Disc jockeys running late to spin the records, and disc jockeys who couldn't get the tape machine to play their sponsors' advertisements without technical difficulties could easily be eliminated today with computer software automation. What little automation a radio station did not have could easily be eliminated if those who spun the records chose to go on strike, as did those at the end of this movie. The station's broadcasting location could easily be switched to another location by a simple click of a computer mouse, until the conflict was removed.

Corporate commentary aside, this movie is a great period piece to watch -- Disc Jockey's with larger than life egos, a radio station that likes to give the listeners what they want to hear, including free live concert broadcasts featuring Linda Ronstadt, and live broadcasts of disc jockeys from the local record store.

The DVD has the movie preview for this film, and at the end of it, is shown the FM soundtrack double album. I have heard this album, and it is one of the best soundtrack albums ever made for a movie -- where the film is average in quality, the music album is far superior to the film. This movie is not big on telling a story, but it is big on the music.

A niche little late 70s curio
Not technically slick by today's standards, this movie is buoyed by a superb soundtrack. The nostalgia value alone is worth two stars. It's fun to watch Martin Mull in his first role and who wouldn't love listening to Eileen Brennan as "Mother" spinning the best on wax through the speakers of your dad's Chevy Monza? Good movie also for those who had a disdain for the disco fad - and still do. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Family Reunion a Must for those who love fall and winter
Not only is Davis wonderful, but the house she lives in as well as her kitchen are breathtaking. I watch this movie around mid-november as the extrior shots are quite beautful as well. Davis's house in the tv movie is now a Holocaust Memorial to the jewish people who died under hitler in world war two. The scene where she is walking into town is now the entrance that preserve. I hope and pray that some day this movie will be out on DVD format. Future star Paul Rudd...makes his acting debut in this made for tv movie. This show is a JOY to watch. I give it five stars

A family's reunion to dysfunction
I remeber seeing this on TV when I was growning up, and I liked it. Davis is magnificient as the matriarch of a family with problems (which family doesn't!). She is at home in this New England setting, baking bread and stirring up trouble. She is desperately trying to keep her family together, despite their resistance. It is a good movie to watch as the weather gets colder, as I remeber the interior sets being cozy, and the exterior shots are gorgeous of the New England Fall. It is also a good film to watch before the holidays, to possibly examine your own family's issues, and how you would (or wouldn't) want to deal with them. ... Read more

Reviews (13)

Terribly dated
This film is so dated, it's almost difficult to watch. The great crisis here is they may sell advertising on this station to the U. S. Army! Okay, in the post-Vietnam Era, that may have seemed like a terrible moral crime. But in the post Reagan era, it just comes across as politically correct to the extreme. Still a good look at music/radio of the late 70s. If you work in broadcasting you'll enjoy looking at the older boards, cart machines, and so on. It is very funny, however, to hear this station refer to itself as playing "the non-commercial sound" of the 70s, and then hear one very commercial song after another being played, including "Baby Come Back" which is about a commerical a song as you can get. If you do enjoy the music of the 70s, there is a lot here to like. It's just that the big crisis in plot really doesn't generate sympathy. Also, the drug culture it promotes is out of place out of the 1970s.

Great Radio Biz Comedy!
"FM" is a fun, light-weight, movie comedy for anyone who has an interest in radio or late '70s rock n'roll in general. The film has arguably been regarded by it's fans as the template or inspiration for the classic CBS TV sitcom, "WKRP in Cincinnati".This episodic movie takes place in late 1970's L.A. at the offices and studios of Q-Sky, the #1 radio station in the area. It's hilariously, presided over by manager, Jeff Dugan (a likable Michael Brandon),who's main job seems to be keeping in line, the crazy DJs and other personnel, who make up the station's looney, staff.These folks are constantly getting themselves into trouble both on and off the air. They include Mother (Eileen Brennan) a burned out hippie, who wants to chuck it all, Eric Swann (Martin Mull)a pompas idiot, who will do anything to further his career, The Prince (Cleavon Little), the hip black dude of the bunch and finally Doc (Alex Karras), a suicidal cowboy. The main plot centers on how Jeff and the gang fight to keep the evil account executive and the station owner from oversaturating the station's airwaves with wall to wall ads for the U.S. Army.Yes, the plotline is sort of silly and dated.But put on your average FM station today and you'll find that the movie's premise has pretty much come true.The air waves are mostly ads with a little bit of music squeezed in. Highlights of this film include excellent,live '70s era, in-concert appearances by music artists, Linda Ronstadt ("Tumbling Dice" "Poor Pitiful Me") and Jimmy Buffett ("Livingston Saturday Night"). If you are a fan of either of these performers then you will relish this concert footage. Also look for a brief cameo from rocker, Tom Petty.Finally listen for the film's great classic rock soundtrack which includes '70s staples such as Steely Dan, Bob Seger, Boston, Billy Joel, the Doobie Brothers and much more.For an evening of light-hearted comedy I highly recommend "FM".

"No Static At All" with this ultra cool DVD!!!
Another quality DVD release from Anchor Bay!!! You get both full and widescreen versions on one dual layered DVD!!! plus a theatrical trailer!!! And the quality is superb!!! This DVD is far superior than the VHS!!! And the songs sound awesome in 5.1 sound!!! A true seventies classic!!! Five Stars!!! A+

A movie about a era of radio now long gone
This movie is not a masterpiece by a long shot, but it is a movie that encapsulates a golden era of music and radio that is long gone.

The overall story is about a fictitious radio station in Los Angeles facing a battle with the station owners over what advertising will be broadcast on the radio, namely the new advertising spots by the US Army that would help the station owners to increase profits.

Watching this film, it is interesting to see how insignificant the conflict with the corporate machine is in this movie than if the same movie were made in the modern day. The owners of the FM radio station in Los Angeles we are told, own 10 radio stations across the country. Today, it would not be uncommon for a communications corporate giant to own 10 radio stations in each city, thereby creating a monopoly and eliminating any dissent whatsoever. Disc jockeys running late to spin the records, and disc jockeys who couldn't get the tape machine to play their sponsors' advertisements without technical difficulties could easily be eliminated today with computer software automation. What little automation a radio station did not have could easily be eliminated if those who spun the records chose to go on strike, as did those at the end of this movie. The station's broadcasting location could easily be switched to another location by a simple click of a computer mouse, until the conflict was removed.

Corporate commentary aside, this movie is a great period piece to watch -- Disc Jockey's with larger than life egos, a radio station that likes to give the listeners what they want to hear, including free live concert broadcasts featuring Linda Ronstadt, and live broadcasts of disc jockeys from the local record store.

The DVD has the movie preview for this film, and at the end of it, is shown the FM soundtrack double album. I have heard this album, and it is one of the best soundtrack albums ever made for a movie -- where the film is average in quality, the music album is far superior to the film. This movie is not big on telling a story, but it is big on the music.

A niche little late 70s curio
Not technically slick by today's standards, this movie is buoyed by a superb soundtrack. The nostalgia value alone is worth two stars. It's fun to watch Martin Mull in his first role and who wouldn't love listening to Eileen Brennan as "Mother" spinning the best on wax through the speakers of your dad's Chevy Monza? Good movie also for those who had a disdain for the disco fad - and still do. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

do you shock easily?
The first time I viewed this movie, frankly I was sickened. It is not a pretty picture. There is not one person protrayed that I would actually like to meet. However it haunted me, I couldn't forget it. I tried to tell myself it was silly, dated, couldn't decide if it was a comedy or just a mix of whatever. I ended up watching it again, and the second veiwing was very different. I found that I saw a definate "courage" in the acting and directing of Bud Cort. This is a man that is not afraid to put himself out there, in the worse possible light i.e. a mentally unstable stalker. There is one scene where he is running away from the court ordered mental hospital, running down a hill, if you look closely, you will see the attention to detail that Bud Cort used. Ted's fly is open. There is scene after scene of this detail and attention to charater in this film. I began to look differently at all the people protrayed, since this was a true story and set in the time period that the film was made. Some people are not pretty, and are unstable, but have depth and talent, while others are pretty and shallow, or self-centered, or angry, or stoned and living by whole different set of rules. The poetry and language are skocking even by todays standards, and powerful. The whole movie shows the contradictions in people,and in life. And while Ted is clearly wrong..he was clearly wronged also. And his "Venus", bless her clueless little heart was in all honesty more fearful of the passion, and repulision of that same passion that Ted brought out in her than she was ever fearful of Ted personally. Bud Cort doesn't let either of his stars off easily in this film,(He plays Ted) they both are flawed, and in major denial, Ted's flaws are just not socially exceptable. The final scene is heart wrenching, and horrible to watch. The whole of the film is a vision in horror. Bud Cort makes his points here beautifully with one of the ugliest movies I have ever seen. I would personally watch anything with Bud Corts name on it now. I have ended up watching Ted and Venus several times, and each time I find something new. not for everyone!

Little man, what now?
I don't know how or why anyone ever gave washed up cult star wonderboy Bud Cort the opportunity to Write, Star In , AND Direct an entire film! The life and career of Mr. Cort has always been a somewhat morbid fascination of mine (we've all heard the analogy of the train wreck... so horrible, yet strangely intriguing, and I just can't look away). Plot is extremely weak. No meaningful character development in any fashion. Ted (Cort) was mentally devoid, greasy, and creepy as hell... In the movie, too! His object of desire was a pretty girl (the basic object of anyone's desire physically), however she was immature, very unintelligent, and was dating a totally gross, ugly guy whom I refer to as (the human foot), for reasons that will be obvious if you are ever so unfortunate as to be forced to sit through the whole thing. The number of cameos is disgusting.( a sort of charity work for people who co-starred in faerie tale theatre productions with bud, and an attempt to reunite the cast of Cheers). If a kind word were to be forced out of me regarding this movie, I guess I'd have to say it was the gratuitous nudity. It ordinarily brings down a movie's integrity, but in the case of "TED AND VENUS" it actually added at least 30 seconds of base-level entertainment. Vomit. ... Read more